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Businesses urged to ‘heat seek’ energy opportunities

October 25, 2018

Staffordshire businesses are invited to find out about supply chain opportunities in the UK’s newest renewable energy network, as part of the launch of a new Heat Academy at Stoke on Trent College on Friday 26th October.

The College’s Burslem Campus will host the Smart City Alliance event for District Heat Networks from 9am to 4pm, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership.

Visitors will meet some of Europe’s leading smart city energy experts and hear about the training and contracting opportunities this brings to North Staffordshire people and businesses.

Companies will learn about the procurement process and training available for all aspects of Stoke-on-Trent’s £50m District Heat Network project – led by the city council – and associated welding, groundworks, supply chain management, logistics, construction, site management and plumbing contracts.

Denise Brown, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College, comments: “We’re inviting local companies to be the first to hear about supply chain opportunities for the District Heat Network as we launch the Heat Academy.

The new academy is funded by the Local Enterprise Partnership because of the specialist skills and training required to complete the installation of this major new energy infrastructure in the region. Any company that works on the network will need to send staff to receive specialist training at the Academy. This is an unmissable opportunity for local companies to be first to seize the opportunities the new District Heat Network will bring.”

Councillor Ann James, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses across the area and will bring a huge boost to the local economy. Stoke-on-Trent is at the forefront of a new energy revolution – and we’re clear that we want local companies here in Staffordshire to enjoy the benefits of this.

“The District Heat Network will bring reduced energy costs for residents and a cleaner, greener more sustainable future for Stoke-on-Trent. But it will also bring local job opportunities and high value contracts for the installation and maintenance of the network, helping to continue the growth we’re seeing here in the city.

“There will be some very specialist skills required and all the partners involved in this project are committed to ensuring our local workforce, apprentices and self-employed contractors can develop the required expertise and play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of this innovative and exciting project.”

Peter Anderberg, founder of Nordic Heat and Smart City Alliance, adds: “The District Heat Network represents a huge investment in Stoke-on-Trent and a major step forward in the adoption of sustainable energy systems in the UK. Experiences from Scandinavia shows that this will also have a major impact on boosting the local economy and creating new “green” career opportunities for young people.”

At the event, LOGSTOR, the world leader in district energy pipe solutions, will outline their plans to locate their UK training academy at Stoke on Trent College, and explain how college lecturers are already receiving training at their Denmark HQ.

Representatives from two leading companies in district energy solutions, Cetetherm and NODA, will present how they are cooperating in integrating new digital solutions into heat interface units, thereby jointly offering superior performance in energy efficiency and comfort.

Participants will also learn about two UK-based suppliers to the District Heating sector – Hydraulic Analysis and Front Line Pumps and Systems. Both companies are attracting significant interest from energy operators in other markets, not least in the Nordic region.

They will also take a tour of the college’s eco-houses, which will be connected to the District Heat Network

Anyone interested in attending the event is asked to contact Stoke on Trent College to book a place on 01782 603603 or email business@stokecoll.ac.uk

The event is free and will take place from 9.00 to 4pm at Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem campus on Friday 26th October 2018. Pre-booking is essential.